48 hours in Koh Samui - Things to do when the clock is ticking

If you are staying the night at a Samui beach resort, it is unlikely you will see much of the island except the beach and the sea. So rent a scooter for a day, and set out to explore the largest island of Thailand. You can either take a whimsical tour across the land allowing luck and curiosity to guide you, or sit down and make a game plan. If you intend to see at least a few of the much talked about attractions, a game plan would be necessary. Some places that you can easily visit on a scooter while allowing time for unplanned wanderings are Wat Plai Laem, the Grandma and Grandpa rocks, and the Big Buddha. By taking a scooter, you are cutting down on time spent looking for taxis and being stuck in the infamous Thai traffic. You do not really have time to waste.

There is quite a happening nightlife at Koh Samui, especially at the Chaweng beach, which is located a twenty-minute walk away from Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. This will let you walk the beach during a glorious sunset, while not making it a purposeless walk. There are fire-eaters at Chaweng Beach party, among other things, and the party goes on til the small hours of the morning. If you arrive there early enough, you can grab a cushion and have a front row seat to all the excitement that the night unfolds.

Take a few hours off your schedule – preferably early in the morning – and get beach hopping. Much similar to island hopping, the idea is to see and experience as many beaches as possible within a limited time. Of course, if you happen to come across a beach that you are loath to leave – many do – you can simply stay there for the rest of the time. Although all beaches in Koh Samui are pristine and picturesque, there is a uniqueness to each location.

This is a popular day tour among tourists as it couples many of the key activities of Koh Samui. The tour takes a full day, though, so it is a wager you must take. The trail through the park exposes you to the lush greenery of the island, its creatures – large and small – and usually culminates in descending towards a secluded beach where you can snorkel and go kayaking. A picnic lunch on the beach is often a part of the tour, and you will be able to see a quieter, more peaceful side of Koh Samui during the tour. The National Park tours are organized by the tourist authority of the country, and you will be in good hands throughout.